Cracked targa top
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Cracked targa top
Uncovered the 86 coupe after a long winter and found a nice crack in the targa top. Pretty much dead centre of the top and runs for about 5 inches. Judging from the paw prints on the cover the likely cause is from my cat jumping onto the car from the top of my fence. Is there a way to repair the crack, I know a replacement targa will run me around $1300. Has anyone tried to patch a crack with a plexiglass glue or other type of polymer? Any suggestions or money saving ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
Nope. Can't be done.
That "top" is actually a structural frame member...
Bolted in place it secures the frames box design to align the 2 rails...and keep it stable. Take that top off and the car looses 50% of its handling due to some serious frame flexing...expecially around corners.
There are some shops that can replace the glass. How much $$ ...I dunno.
You CAN search FleaBay and find a used one in decent shape.
Craigslist,. even local Corvette clubs will know. Look here at the "for sale" section.
Can;t blame this on the cat...sorry. Its common for tops to crack when parked if there was a wheel on a bump or the car was unlevel..placing stress on that top frame member...and it cracks. Have to be a damn big cat to break that top !
That "top" is actually a structural frame member...
Bolted in place it secures the frames box design to align the 2 rails...and keep it stable. Take that top off and the car looses 50% of its handling due to some serious frame flexing...expecially around corners.
There are some shops that can replace the glass. How much $$ ...I dunno.
You CAN search FleaBay and find a used one in decent shape.
Craigslist,. even local Corvette clubs will know. Look here at the "for sale" section.
Can;t blame this on the cat...sorry. Its common for tops to crack when parked if there was a wheel on a bump or the car was unlevel..placing stress on that top frame member...and it cracks. Have to be a damn big cat to break that top !
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely check out the for sale section. And I did have it parked on my gravel parking pad over the winter, quite un level. I was going to try Weldon 16 to patch it up but won't waste the time or money now. I guess the cat can stay!!! Thanks again!! 
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa OK
Weather and flex, that's all it takes. You can get them reglassed, I've had it done before. One hint though, when you put it back on, be VERY VERY !!!! careful about getting the fit correct. If you get it off just a little bit, it will crack again. These tops all crack at some point in their life. It's always straight down the middle front or on the back corners.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Weather and flex, that's all it takes. You can get them reglassed, I've had it done before. One hint though, when you put it back on, be VERY VERY !!!! careful about getting the fit correct. If you get it off just a little bit, it will crack again. These tops all crack at some point in their life. It's always straight down the middle front or on the back corners.
